An entrepreneur who counts music legend Peter Gabriel among his business partners is leading a new Cheshire business board.

Steve Purdham, known for his successful ventures including the music streaming service WE7, which he led with the former Genesis frontman, has been appointed as the chairman of the new Business Advisory Board.

The board of 21 members, is made up of experienced business representatives from across the county.

These include experts from the pharmaceutical and tourism sectors, a college principal, and a former board member from one of the UK's largest accountancy firms.

The board will work closely with Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire East Council, and Warrington Borough Council to drive sustainable economic growth in the region.

Mr Purdham, who was part of the founding team behind Congleton-based cybersecurity firm SurfControl Plc, said: "The vision for Cheshire is one of growth.

"If you're looking forward five, 10, 15, 20 years you have to consider how you're going to achieve that growth, and it will only be achieved by the public sector and the private sector working in tandem.

"The Business Advisory Board effectively is the conduit to get knowledge from one sector to another.

"You must focus on the art of the possible and must have partnerships with local government, national government and industry.

"In all sectors."

The new board will meet regularly to provide year-round advice and insight, update on emerging trends, and sense-check economic strategies from a business perspective.

Councillor Louise Gittins, chair of Cheshire and Warrington’s sub-regional leaders board, said: "Our three councils have been working successfully together for many years with a shared vision to be the healthiest, most sustainable, inclusive and growing economy in the UK and the Business Advisory Board will ensure businesses are at the heart of this, helping the region grow and continue to be a fantastic place to live, work and set up business."